In the immortal words of Billy Crystal as his Saturday Night Life character Fernando Lamas: “You look marvelous”
Indeed, N-n-n-n-n-n-n-n19
is maarrrrrvelous, daarrrrling. The inevitable hath come to fruition, but it wasn’t easy and nor should it have been, given the tumult in the EPL this term.
United absolutely followed the season’s narrative with a late, away, and controversial draw in front of the jubilant Red Devil supporters holding up a plethora of 19- and perch-oriented signs.
This year’s title winners will now have the lowest points total in many a year, while teams with 39 points head into the final weekend with relegation still a possibility. As I’ve been writing all year: crazy stuff.
Top-tier English football’s bandwidth hath narrowed noticeably, adding a surreal quality to the to soap opera known as the Premier League.
How fitting then, this of all years, that there’s a FA Cup Final played BETWEEN EPL matches. What on God’s green earth is the FA doing?
Not that a United fan would mind, as the Red Devils’ No 19 takes attention and shine off of City’s accomplishments in London this afternoon.
Yet, even as a Red Devil myself, it’s distasteful and diminishes the FA Cup.
Yes, even as an American, I know about the Champions League Final being at Wembley and that the stadium needs to be cleared the two weeks prior to the event. I got it.
But, all EPL games could have been played tomorrow or a special dispensation could have been granted by EUFA to allow the FA Cup Final on Sunday. (Oh wait, then again there’s that little spat between the FA and EUFA/FIFA – now I get it, I guess.)
With so many strange twists and turns this year, it’s somehow fitting that the blue and red halves of Manchester win silverware on the same day. Not desired, but appropriate to the 2010/2011 Barclays Premier League, surly. (Closed circuit to the Streford End: the new banner should read 43 years – that’s my vote.)
Ah, but who are we to complain. Let’s return to THE tale of the day: The Red Devils’ beloved 19th top-flight title.
This one will be housed right next to the Cantona-delivered title of 1992-1993 in the hearts of the United faithful, each with it’s own special, affectionate charm – one a cathartic release from years of wanting, the other an impressive culmination of Sir Alex’s body of work.
However, there’s way too much conversation about this United squad lacking the trademark dominance and flair, given this is, arguably, Sir Alex Ferguson’s deepest side ever.
Need proof?
Just look at the goal scoring relay race this season, with Berba on fire early, Chicharito netting consistently as a sub, then as a starter, and of course, our very own White Pele finding form after the longest of spells in the football wilderness.
Just look at the revolving door across the backline much of the seasons, as we must not forget how central Chris Smalling, John O’Shea and even Wes Brown were to the squad in specific moments of this year.
What stands out about 2010/2011 are the stark contrasts and strident confidence displayed by our boys in red.
United scored more goals, won more games than anyone else thus far, yet won only half of the away victories compared to last term, where we finished second.
United carried an unbeaten streak deep into this season, yet drew away matches at an alarming rate and you never felt this was a dominant side.
United were on top of the table all year, with a brief exception of a matter of days when City took the lead having played three more games, and again, you never felt it was done and dusted.
Even today’s match provided plenty of contrasts, with the Red Devils maintaining 76% possession, creating plenty of early chances early yet somehow falling behind 1-0, and Tomasz Kuszczak’s nerves never allowing the United faithful a moment of calm, until both sides signed a peace treaty in the waning moments, as keep-ball by either side fulfilled mutual ambitions in the level 1-1 score line.
All drama and contrasts aside, confidence and consistency won Sir Alex’s men the trophy this year.
Self-belief simply drips off a Ferguson-managed side. Each year, they take late points, whether it’s an escape-draw at Villa Park or stunning come-backs at Bloomfield Road or Boleyn Ground, there’s a certain cool assurance about the side. Everyone expects it inside and outside United.
The Guardian’s Paul Wilson summed it up quoting former United keeper Ben Foster.
"United have a winning ethos all of their own," he said.
"That is what they carry on to the pitch and you've got to admire them for it. When they were 2-0 down at Blackpool, I knew for a fact they would come back and win. They have that toughness. It's expected. The manager doesn't tend to sign players if he doesn't see it in them. You don't get that anywhere else, not even at Chelsea.”
Of course you don’t get that anywhere else, silly bird. While the players change, there’s been only one constant at United: Sir Alex Ferguson. The one-off genius has done it again - absolutely amazing, that man.
So, what do you do immediately after winning the 19th top-flight trophy?
No, Disney isn’t an option. You focus the lads attention on the next ambition: Champions League glory.
Here, with three down and three to go, would you ever bet against SAF?
Appropriately, United announced that the Premier League victory parade will be at lunchtime on May 30, conveniently a couple of days after the Champions League Final.
You just gotta love the view from this perch.
Can you imagine the view from Number Six?
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Back at you well after the Blackpool party. Cheers.
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